Many sellers think that the Holiday Season is the worst time of year to sell a home, with busy schedules, time off for family gatherings, and fewer buyers looking to buy. However, in reality the Holiday Season may be one of the best times to sell, and here are 15 reasons why:

There is less competition for buyers, since many sellers delay listing their homes until the Spring.

1. Winter prospects are more generally more serious buyers, not just looky-loos.
2. Buyers have more time to look at homes during the holidays, especially during vacations.
3. This is a great time for buyers to take a dual-purpose trip to include both house hunting and family visits without extra cost.
4. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay the sellers price.
5. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays that they do during a working week.
6. You may receive more money for your home now because you have less competition from other sellers.
7. You may have fewer actual showings, but more qualified and motivated prospects.
8. One of the highest percentages of the ‘listing sold’ to ‘listing taken’ occurs during this time of year.
9. Your home looks better during the holidays. Even if you haven’t decorated your home, most people do clean up for visits from friends and family.
10. Throughout the holiday season, buyers will understand if you restrict showings during your personal family events.
11. January is traditionally the biggest transfer month, and you must have your home listed to capture that activity.
12. By selling now you can have a delayed closing or extended occupancy until the beginning of the following year if you want it.
13. When you sell during the winter you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when more homes are on the market.
14. Corporate transfers, who need to buy a home now, can’t wait until spring to find a home. Many relocating employees start their new jobs in January.
15. Moving during the Holidays is easier on the children, since they’re in touch with new friends as soon as school starts in January instead of being alone during the summer months.

Russell Grether of Coldwell banker Previews International is a real estate agent based out of Malibu, CA. He specializes in Malibu real estate, Malibu homes for sale, Malibu properties, Malibu land for sale, Malibu rentals and surrounding area real estate from Montecito to the Pacific Palisades.